collins would be one of the most likely to throw susan rice a lifeline. it didn't happen. >> i continue to be troubled by the fact that the u.n. ambassador decided to play what was, essentially, a political role at the height of a contentious presidential campaign. >> she questioned her judgment and giving the public what turned out to be incorrect information in the days after the deadly attack in benghazi, and the main republican was lukewarm about the prospect of rice as secretary of state. >> if president obama were to nominate susan rice as the next secretary of state, could you support that nomination? >> i would need additional information before i could support her nomination. >> collins has gone out of her way to support rice in the pass, even introducing rice at a confirmation hearing for u.n. ambassador. >> the people of maine are proud of what this remarkable woman has accomplished. >> whether collins supports rice now for a promotion is crucial because of the raw numbers. rice would likely need 60 votes. assuming all 55 senators who will cauc